The African Union’s Peace and Security Council (PSC) has deployed former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo in a bid to prevent the escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia from spiralling into a full-blown war.
Recall that tensions between the two neighbouring countries have escalated due to the recent agreement between the secessionist region of Somaliland and Ethiopia, signed on January 1st.
This agreement grants Ethiopia control over a maritime port and a military base on the Red Sea. Somalia responded last week by declaring readiness for war.
Historical conflicts between the two nations include territorial disputes in 1977 and Ethiopia’s invasion of Somalia in 2006 as part of the fight against terrorism.
Somaliland’s decision to allow Ethiopia access to its territory is seen as a strategic move to gain recognition as an independent state, a status it has asserted since its separation from the voluntary union with Somalia in 1991.
Former President Obasanjo is tasked with managing this delicate geopolitical situation. On Wednesday, Somalia turned away an Ethiopian flight bound for Somaliland, carrying representatives of the Ethiopian government.
The PSC has emphasized adherence to AU and international law, urging Ethiopia and Somalia to follow these principles in their bilateral and international relations. The African Union regards Somaliland as a province of Somalia.
While appointing Obasanjo, the PSC also cautioned against external interference. An extraordinary summit by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in Kampala addressed the issue.
However, Somalia has taken a firm stance, refusing discussions with Ethiopia unless the latter annuls its January 1 agreement with Somaliland. The Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserts that Ethiopia violated Somalia’s sovereignty with the agreement and demands a reversal for any mediation to occur.
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